LAURIMAR have booked its spot in the top two of the Northern Football Netball League division three competition, taking a convincing 65-point victory over a depleted Mernda outfit at Waterview Reserve.
The Power took its time to get into the game, kicking against a strong breeze in the opening term and trailing by three points after both teams kicked a goal apiece, 9-6.
However, Laurimar made its move in the second quarter, kicking six goals to two to take control of the contest, leading by 26 points at the main break, 47-21.
Laurimar continued to maintain control throughout the third quarter as its experienced bodies took charge around the stoppage situation, adding another four goals to one to make the margin 44 points at the final change, 72-28.
The Power added another four goals to one in the final term to make it a comfortable 15.10 (100) to 5.5 (35) victory.
Coupled with Epping’s loss to Kilmore, the Power are guaranteed second position at the very least at the conclusion of the home-and-away campaign.
Bailey Macleod continued his exceptional season for the Power with a commanding best-on-ground performance, while Carter McCall was pivotal with his four goals. Kaiden Arthur, Micah Vecchio, Jai Langford and Josh Leather completed the best players for Laurimar, who take on Old Eltham Collegians this week.
For Mernda, Declan Felle had an entertaining battle with Patrick Fitzgerald down back and was a clear best-on-ground for the Demons, while Aidan Black, Jayden Bell, Matthew Campbell, Kyle Yankos and Joshua Senese also caught the eye as they look to deliver Brent Marshall his first victory as coach against Kinglake this week.
In division two, Whittlesea’s quest to land top spot hit a significant snag, losing to Diamond Creek by 41 points at Coventry Oval.
Diamond Creek stole a march in the opening quarter, kicking two goals to one to lead by nine points at the first change, 15-6.
It was the second term which delivered significant revenue for the Demons, however, as they scored five goals to one to give itself a big buffer at the main break, leading 45-16.
Whittlesea continued to fight hard in the third term, but it wasn’t making any inroads on the division two pacesetter, with both teams settling for a goal apiece as Diamond Creek turned for home leading 54-25.
The Creekers continued on their merry way to sweep the Eagles in the season series, kicking three goals to two in the final term to take an 11.12 (78) to 5.7 (37) victory.
Keidan Treacy, Lucas Hobbs, Harley Fraumano, Mitchell Andrews, Zane Anderson and Lachlan Shinn-Mahony were all named in the best for Whittlesea, who will look to rebound against Thomastown this week.
South Morang had a crack at Warringal Park, but the class of division one’s hotter-than-hot premiership favourite Heidelberg was telling as the Tigers delivered a 50-point victory.
The Lions were in the game in the opening stanza, kicking two goals to three to keep the Tigers honest as they trailed 14-21 at the first break.
Heidelberg started to kick away in the second term, kicking four goals to two in the quarter to extend their lead to 23 points at the main break, 49-26.
The Tigers again had the Lions’ measure in the third term, but the Lions were at least keeping some pace. Six goals to three for the term meant it was a high-scoring affair, but it was Heidelberg leading 87-45 at the final change.
Heidelberg added three goals to two in the final term to win 16.12 (108) to 9.4 (58).
Adam De Propertis, Koby Davies, Jack Traianou, Liam Failla, Mitchell Kalpakis and Kobe Van Zwienen were all named in the best for the Lions.
In the Friday night netball competition, Whittlesea 1 were outpointed by North Heidelberg 1, losing 62-32, while it was a similar story for Whittlesea 2, who lost a thriller to Kinglake, 39-36.
South Morang 1 faired significantly better, taking victory against Heat 3, 44-34.
Netball’s bottom half of the divisions took to the court, with Laurimar winning three from four games, South Morang winning two of five games and Whittlesea taking two wins from two games.
